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Senate passes bill shifting Fire & Rescue Academy funding to higher-education budget, with optional equipment funding
Summary
Senators passed a first substitute to SB209 that reclassifies the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy as a higher-education function at Utah Valley University, moving funding from the general fund to the education fund; optional one-time equipment funding of $500,000 was discussed.
The Senate approved the first substitute to Senate Bill 209, which clarifies funding for the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy and reassigns that program from the general fund to the education fund because the academy is part of Utah Valley University (UVU) and its employees are higher-education personnel.
Senator Harper explained the academy has operated at UVU and predecessor institutions for nearly 60 years, delivering hundreds of classes statewide for firefighters and first responders. The substitute corrects appropriation and funding-transfer language; sponsors emphasized the change does not inherently increase recurring funding. Senator Harper noted an optional one-time $500,000 appropriation could be added for equipment replacement at the end of the session.
Senator Hilliard confirmed the substitute did not increase ongoing funding and that the transfer would not require a fiscal note; he asked clarifying questions about the optional $500,000 and how it would be used. The body approved the substitute and recorded a roll-call result of 26 yea, 0 nay, 3 absent, allowing the bill to be read a third time.
Ending: First substitute SB209 passed the Senate on third-reading determination and will move to the House. Sponsors framed the change as a technical funding realignment reflecting the academy's place within higher education.
